We grow up in the context of our relationships with others. This concept is central to early relational health, the notion that safe, stable, and nurturing relationships (SSNRs) in early childhood build the foundation for healthy development across the lifespan. Decades of child development research have established the importance of SSNRs in a child’s life in enabling optimal physical and emotional development.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the official opening of OBSSR at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1995. Our office was created by Congress in 1993 to identify, coordinate, and advance behavioral and social sciences research (BSSR) across NIH. The office’s formation underscored the essential role of BSSR in improving public health and shaping the way we approach scientific discovery.

Since its inception, OBSSR has been a leader in advancing behavioral and social sciences research (BSSR) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), championing science that improves health outcomes and reduces disparities. This year was no exception.

I’m proud to introduce the OBSSR Strategic Plan 2025–2029—OBSSR’s fourth strategic plan and my first as OBSSR Director. This update reflects a systematic 3-year planning process of assessing accomplishments, evaluating future directions, and collecting input from the research community, NIH staff, and federal and community partners.